A Survey of Living Conditions and Psychological Distress in Japanese University Freshmen during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Since the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, educational institutions have implemented measures such as school closures, raising concerns regarding the increase in psychological distress among university students. The purpose of this study is to identify factors that have influenced psychological distress among college freshmen during the COVID-19 pandemic. A questionnaire survey was conducted at the conclusion of the sixth wave of COVID-19 in Japan. Psychological distress was measured using the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). Factors affecting psychological distress were calculated using regression analysis. Of the 2536 participants, 1841 (72.6%) reported having no psychological distress, while 695 (27.4%) reported having psychological distress. Factors that were identified to contribute to psychological distress were lack of sleep, weight gain or loss, worsening of interpersonal relationships, and physical symptoms and illnesses. A willingness to join an athletic club and having an environment in which it is easy to discuss worries and anxieties with others were factors that were identified to hinder psychological distress. It is necessary for universities to offer enhanced supports for physical and interpersonal activities. Additionally, it is imperative to encourage students to look after their physical health and to actively utilize university-based consultation systems.

Better Mental Health and Sleep under Behavioral Restrictions Due to COVID-19 in Japanese University Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…Although our study was a cross-sectional survey conducted before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the results of longer sleep duration after the COVID-19 pandemic were comparable to those reported by Hori et al Although the questionnaires used to evaluate psychological distress were different, the percentage of students suffering from psychological stress was higher (27.4%) in the study reported by Iio et al than that in the present study (11.4%). Because the years of data correction were 2022 [ 22 ] and 2020 (the present study), the continuation of behavioral restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a higher percentage of students with psychological stress.…”

“…Another study that evaluated sleep problems by examining digital media use suggested that students whose screen time increased during 2019 and 2020 were at higher risk for sleep problems [ 21 ]. Finally, Iio et al [ 22 ] surveyed Japanese first-year university students in mid-April 2022 and found that 27.4% of the participants experienced psychological distress due to sleep deprivation. Although our study was a cross-sectional survey conducted before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the results of longer sleep duration after the COVID-19 pandemic were comparable to those reported by Hori et al Although the questionnaires used to evaluate psychological distress were different, the percentage of students suffering from psychological stress was higher (27.4%) in the study reported by Iio et al than that in the present study (11.4%).…”

Age group differences in psychological distress and leisure-time exercise/socioeconomic status during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional analysis during 2020 to 2021 of a cohort study in Japan

“…The participants were then divided into two groups: those with high scores (poor mental health conditions: ≥ 5 points) and those with low scores (good mental health conditions: ≤ 4 points). Similarly, several previous studies have used a cut-off value of 5 points for this scale (16,22,23).…”